Blizzard Disaster Preparedness

BEFORE A BLIZZARD

As beautiful as new fallen snow can be, it can also be disruptive, destructive, and deadly. Heavy snow on roadways can make for dangerous driving. Snow on power lines can also cause power outages that can last for days. Being prepared for heavy snowfall and having extra emergency supplies on hand is the best way to make sure your family stays safe both during and after the storm.

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for three days (both drinking and sanitation)

Food, three-day supply, non-perishable

Battery or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

Flashlights and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle

Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties (personal sanitation)

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Manual can opener for food

Local paper maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Family Communication Plan:

Your family may not be together, plan how you will contact one another.

Create a contact card for all family members and keep them in a wallet, purse, backpack, briefcase, etc.

Check emergency plans with your children’s day care or school.

Identify a non-local friend or relative household members can notify when they are safe, they may be in a better position to communicate between separated families.

If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know.

Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.